Brandon Helwig Reports on Big East speculations

Quote:Future fall Saturdays on the Peacock would feature a doubleheader or tripleheader of Big East and Notre Dame football games with cable's NBC Sports Network airing additional inventory.

ESPN would retain a level of TV rights with league football games airing on occasional Thursday nights and Big East basketball remaining a prominent participant on 'Big Monday.'

Quote:"I will say this to the listeners out there: The future for Tiger athletics with the Big East and all that goes with it is pretty exciting," Johnson (Current Memphis AD) said.

Before he brought up the upcoming TV contract negotiations, Johnson dropped several interesting nuggets regarding Big East basketball scheduling, including a possible 20-game conference schedule when the league begins their 18-school format in 2013-14.

"Mike Brey of Notre Dame, who is the chair of the coaches group, came before the athletic directors and talked about an 18-game schedule, but they also talked about going to a 20-game conference schedule," Johnson said. "It's kind of interesting. We had not thought about that.

Quote:Johnson added that rumors of league instability were unfounded.

"I will tell you also I did talk to some of the basketball-only schools," Johnson said. "I said, 'What's this rumor about you guys pulling out?' The athletic director at Georgetown, I sat next to him and the athletic director from Louisville, and he said, 'We're not going anywhere. We're staying right here.' I think that really bodes well."

and then some.

In R.C. we trust

Cant say I'm too excited about this quote.


A month ago, Johnson said people in the Big East were "hopeful" of a per-school payout in the "teens" of millions for all-sports members. Now he's shooting for at least $10 million.

"I'm hopeful of double digits to be honest with you," Johnson said. "I think that would be a great way to move on."

Either he has more information, or has been told to temper his expectations. I'm still optimistic, but the "hopeful of double digits" comment would lead one to believe that the idea that we may approach anywhere near ACC money is unlikely.

Leave it to RC to blab stuff. Eighteen more days for that guy.

The one thing he said that concerned me is that he downgraded last month's estimate of the new TV contract, per all sports school, from being "in the low teens," to "I'm hopeful of double digits, to be honest with you."

Other than that, it was a LOT of positive stuff.

EDIT: Just noticed Attack and I posted the same thing at almost the same time.

(05-31-2012 12:11 AM)attackfrog Wrote:  Cant say I'm too excited about this quote.


A month ago, Johnson said people in the Big East were "hopeful" of a per-school payout in the "teens" of millions for all-sports members. Now he's shooting for at least $10 million.

"I'm hopeful of double digits to be honest with you," Johnson said. "I think that would be a great way to move on."

Either he has more information, or has been told to temper his expectations. I'm still optimistic, but the "hopeful of double digits" comment would lead one to believe that the idea that we may approach anywhere near ACC money is unlikely.

Yeah, RC spouted something off about $13.3M/year and I'm guessing the BE brass wanted him to tone it down, since TV negotiations can't begin until September and even then won't go on the open market until November.

Remember, this is the same RC Johnson who said late last year that Memphis should be in the SEC.

Also keep in mind that even if the BE gets a similar contract to the ACC overall, it is still over $1M less per all-sports school because of the BB/FB splits.

(05-30-2012 11:24 PM)Kruciff Wrote:  Brandon Helwig Reports on Big East speculations

Quote:Future fall Saturdays on the Peacock would feature a doubleheader or tripleheader of Big East and Notre Dame football games with cable's NBC Sports Network airing additional inventory.

ESPN would retain a level of TV rights with league football games airing on occasional Thursday nights and Big East basketball remaining a prominent participant on 'Big Monday.'

Quote:"I will say this to the listeners out there: The future for Tiger athletics with the Big East and all that goes with it is pretty exciting," Johnson (Current Memphis AD) said.

Before he brought up the upcoming TV contract negotiations, Johnson dropped several interesting nuggets regarding Big East basketball scheduling, including a possible 20-game conference schedule when the league begins their 18-school format in 2013-14.

"Mike Brey of Notre Dame, who is the chair of the coaches group, came before the athletic directors and talked about an 18-game schedule, but they also talked about going to a 20-game conference schedule," Johnson said. "It's kind of interesting. We had not thought about that.

Quote:Johnson added that rumors of league instability were unfounded.

"I will tell you also I did talk to some of the basketball-only schools," Johnson said. "I said, 'What's this rumor about you guys pulling out?' The athletic director at Georgetown, I sat next to him and the athletic director from Louisville, and he said, 'We're not going anywhere. We're staying right here.' I think that really bodes well."

and then some.

What i found interesting was, the lowered expectation of the monies from the new media deal. NBC is NBE best bet!
Can we assume that the FOX's offer/presentation was underwhelming? Overall, inline to what is expected for the NBE.

(05-31-2012 12:12 AM)TripleA Wrote:  Leave it to RC to blab stuff. Eighteen more days for that guy.

The one thing he said that concerned me is that he downgraded last month's estimate of the new TV contract, per all sports school, from being "in the low teens," to "I'm hopeful of double digits, to be honest with you."

Other than that, it was a LOT of positive stuff.

I really like the NBC-ESPN idea. That has been my favored concept, but I didnt think it had any chance of happening. The other thing I find exciting is that we may be looking at much more coverage on the big flagship over the air NBC network than I was expecting. I was thinking we'd likley get one game a week as a double header with Notre Dame. Looks like they discussed also having some "triple headers" on the main network with the remaining games sliding to NBC-sports. Plus, added to that was the possibility of maybe even some special Thursday games with ESPN.

That kind of heavy NBC flagship+special Thursday ESPN exposure would be HUGE. That kind of exposure can build a brand for the conference. That kind of exposure would be HUGE for recruiting. And superior recruiting---and the winning that springs from superior recruiting---along with larger brand recognition will lead to HUGE future contracts for the conference. Overall, alot to be excited about in this article.

(05-31-2012 12:20 AM)attackfrog Wrote:  

(05-31-2012 12:12 AM)TripleA Wrote:  Leave it to RC to blab stuff. Eighteen more days for that guy.

The one thing he said that concerned me is that he downgraded last month's estimate of the new TV contract, per all sports school, from being "in the low teens," to "I'm hopeful of double digits, to be honest with you."

Other than that, it was a LOT of positive stuff.

I really like the NBC-ESPN idea. That has been my favored concept, but I didnt think it had any chance of happening. The other thing I find exciting is that we may be looking at much more coverage on the big flagship over the air NBC network than I was expecting. I was thinking we'd likley get one game a week as a double header with Notre Dame. Looks like they discussed also having some "triple headers" on the main network with the remaining games sliding to NBC-sports. Plus, added to that was the possibility of maybe even some special Thursday games with ESPN.

That kind of heavy NBC flagship+special Thursday ESPN exposure would be HUGE. That kind of exposure can build a brand for the conference. That kind of exposure would be HUGE for recruiting. And superior recruiting---and the winning that springs from superior recruiting, along with larger brand recognition will lead to HUGE future contracts for the conference. Overall, alot to be excited about in this article.

You're also forgetting that NBC owns several other basic cable outlets, including F/X, that could carry some games on occasion. Even NBC Sports Network (NBCSN, formerly Versus) isn't bad. It is on the same tier in Atlanta as ESPN, on every cable carrier. And they have 79M+ households, as opposed to ESPN's 108M or so, but much more than CBS SN's 43M.

(05-31-2012 12:19 AM)Mr. Derfman Wrote:  What i found interesting was, the lowered expectation of the monies from the new media deal. NBC is NBE best bet!
Can we assume that the FOX's offer/presentation was underwhelming? Overall, inline to what is expected for the NBE.

I would not make any assumptions from anything RC Johnson ever says.

(05-31-2012 12:27 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(05-31-2012 12:20 AM)attackfrog Wrote:  

(05-31-2012 12:12 AM)TripleA Wrote:  Leave it to RC to blab stuff. Eighteen more days for that guy.

The one thing he said that concerned me is that he downgraded last month's estimate of the new TV contract, per all sports school, from being "in the low teens," to "I'm hopeful of double digits, to be honest with you."

Other than that, it was a LOT of positive stuff.

I really like the NBC-ESPN idea. That has been my favored concept, but I didnt think it had any chance of happening. The other thing I find exciting is that we may be looking at much more coverage on the big flagship over the air NBC network than I was expecting. I was thinking we'd likley get one game a week as a double header with Notre Dame. Looks like they discussed also having some "triple headers" on the main network with the remaining games sliding to NBC-sports. Plus, added to that was the possibility of maybe even some special Thursday games with ESPN.

That kind of heavy NBC flagship+special Thursday ESPN exposure would be HUGE. That kind of exposure can build a brand for the conference. That kind of exposure would be HUGE for recruiting. And superior recruiting---and the winning that springs from superior recruiting, along with larger brand recognition will lead to HUGE future contracts for the conference. Overall, alot to be excited about in this article.

You're also forgetting that NBC owns several other basic cable outlets, including F/X, that could carry some games on occasion. Even NBC Sports Network (NBCSN, formerly Versus) isn't bad. It is on the same tier in Atlanta as ESPN, on every cable carrier. And they have 79M+ households, as opposed to ESPN's 108M or so, but much more than CBS SN's 43M.

All of it is a big improvement over CUSA. Most of the games in Houston were either on Fox-Sports SW or on CBS-Sports (or one of several CBS-Sports mirror channels). Some CUSA games you had to hunt to find. I guess I shouldnt complain. At least they were available. Alot of MW fans claim MW games are simply not available in some places.

(05-31-2012 12:30 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(05-31-2012 12:19 AM)Mr. Derfman Wrote:  What i found interesting was, the lowered expectation of the monies from the new media deal. NBC is NBE best bet!
Can we assume that the FOX's offer/presentation was underwhelming? Overall, inline to what is expected for the NBE.

I would not make any assumptions from anything RC Johnson ever says

....Just one more theory for the night. I noticed that the SDSU AD also threw out the 6.4 "minimum" figure in an interview today. That SDSU number would translate to around 8-9 million per all sports school. It may have been decided at the meetings that this would be the "number" to use in interviews to tamp down expectations. This way, if the contract comes in at 15 million, the story is "wow, the Big East blew away expectations" rather than "15 million----wow, the Big East came in well below the ACC". In other words, folks, this could just be PR---people manage expectations all the time. RC's comment may be no more than managing expectations.

I didn't believe him the first time, so I'm not going to worry about it. NBC and Fox couldn't talk numbers, so everybody's guessing, anyway.

(05-31-2012 12:30 AM)TripleA Wrote:  I would not make any assumptions from anything RC Johnson ever says.

Ever. Never! Never ever ever!!!

This is the nugget I took:

Quote:"(NBC's) purpose (at the meeting) was to show they had an interest in the Big East and they had it tied in with Notre Dame football," Johnson said. "They talked about doubleheaders and tripleheaders on the NBC station. Not on the Versus or whatever they all have, NBC (Sports Network), because they've got several cable outlets.

RC Johnson is highly unreliable, I've heard, but I am encouraged by NBC talking about showing Big East football over-the-air. (This could be their new XFL, but that's not our problem.)

(05-30-2012 11:56 PM)Jassbale Wrote:  In R.C. we trust

(05-31-2012 12:12 AM)TripleA Wrote:  Leave it to RC to blab stuff. Eighteen more days for that guy.

I'm glad UC and Memphis fans can agree on something

Seriously, I'm glad that horse's @$$ won't be with Memphis when they get into the BE.

(05-31-2012 12:19 AM)Mr. Derfman Wrote:  Can we assume that the FOX's offer/presentation was underwhelming? Overall, inline to what is expected for the NBE.

FOX can't offer up what NBC can offer up.

NBC already has a long-term contract with Big East All-sports member (minus football) Notre Dame...and can offer up double-triple headers tied in with NOTRE DAME (which can also improve Notre Dame ratings...so no doubt Notre Dame will vote to include NBC in the Big East package).

Plus, FOX does not have an all-sports dedicated channel...as most of their sport station inventory are 20 plus local/regional affiliates that all have tie-ins/package deals with their local MLB/NHL/NBA teams.

I believe the only "national" FOX sports channels are for racing (SPEED) and Soccer.

As I've stated multiple times...hopefully Big East will end up with a combo deal with at least 2 networks (like Pac-12, like Big 12) and yes, that would include ESPN...because if you go away from ESPN...they will crush you (i.e. almost never ever mention your name or show your highlights).

Give ESPN a piece of the pie...and let NBC take the rest.

(05-31-2012 07:42 AM)KnightLight Wrote:  

(05-31-2012 12:19 AM)Mr. Derfman Wrote:  Can we assume that the FOX's offer/presentation was underwhelming? Overall, inline to what is expected for the NBE.

FOX can't offer up what NBC can offer up.

NBC already has a long-term contract with Big East All-sports member (minus football) Notre Dame...and can offer up double-triple headers tied in with NOTRE DAME (which can also improve Notre Dame ratings...so no doubt Notre Dame will vote to include NBC in the Big East package).

Plus, FOX does not have an all-sports dedicated channel...as most of their sport station inventory are 20 plus local/regional affiliates that all have tie-ins/package deals with their local MLB/NHL/NBA teams.

I believe the only "national" FOX sports channels are for racing (SPEED) and Soccer.

As I've stated multiple times...hopefully Big East will end up with a combo deal with at least 2 networks (like Pac-12, like Big 12) and yes, that would include ESPN...because if you go away from ESPN...they will crush you (i.e. almost never ever mention your name or show your highlights).

Give ESPN a piece of the pie...and let NBC take the rest.

True, unless Fox goes through with their rumored national sports network. I read where the NFL is pressuring all their TV partners to have a full time network so they can promote the NFL as successfully as ESPN does. If Fox converts Speed to a full time sports network, they would be a much more attractive spot for the Big East because the BE games would be mixed in with B12 and PAC12 games and likely have better viewership than NBC. As long as ESPN isn't our primary network, but included as a secondary network, I think we will all be happy.

(05-31-2012 12:20 AM)attackfrog Wrote:  we may be looking at much more coverage on the big flagship over the air NBC network than I was expecting. I was thinking we'd likley get one game a week as a double header with Notre Dame. Looks like they discussed also having some "triple headers" on the main network with the remaining games sliding to NBC-sports.

There is the advantage of having 4 time zones.

Another key comment from that article:

Last week, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported the Big East expected to add either BYU or Air Force later this fall.

I think the Big East is set on 14 football members...because the $$$ may not be there to divide by 16 teams.

(05-31-2012 09:28 AM)KnightLight Wrote:  Another key comment from that article:

Last week, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported the Big East expected to add either BYU or Air Force later this fall.

I think the Big East is set on 14 football members...because the $$$ may not be there to divide by 16 teams.

I agree. I think it comes down to BYU. If they say yes, we stop at 14. If they say no, we add AF and stop at 14.